Chapter 11 Case studies in mine land revegetation and remediation employing various approaches
-
Reginald Tang Guuroh
Abstract
This chapter examines the status and progress of restoration efforts in mined sites in Ghana, with a focus on large-scale licensed formal mine companies. In addition the chapter also summarizes restoration experiments and trials from unlicensed artisanal small scale mining. We also provide an overview of the regulatory framework governing the mining sector sustainability in Ghana and emphasize the importance of restoring degraded lands to ensure productive use. We highlight the reclamation efforts and strategies implemented by these companies including the use of indigenous and exotic tree species, topsoil amendment, erosion control measures, and planting of various species. Specific examples of restoration activities are provided such as the reclamation of gold mining sites in Ahafo by Newmont Ghana, the restoration work at the Iduapriem mine site by AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, and the rehabilitation activities at the Damang and Tarkwa mines by Gold Fields Ghana Ltd. While acknowledging the efforts of these companies, the chapter also emphasizes the need for more information and documentation on restoration and reclamation efforts in Ghana. It calls for knowledge transfer and the development of national restoration programs to contribute to sustainable development in the country.
Abstract
This chapter examines the status and progress of restoration efforts in mined sites in Ghana, with a focus on large-scale licensed formal mine companies. In addition the chapter also summarizes restoration experiments and trials from unlicensed artisanal small scale mining. We also provide an overview of the regulatory framework governing the mining sector sustainability in Ghana and emphasize the importance of restoring degraded lands to ensure productive use. We highlight the reclamation efforts and strategies implemented by these companies including the use of indigenous and exotic tree species, topsoil amendment, erosion control measures, and planting of various species. Specific examples of restoration activities are provided such as the reclamation of gold mining sites in Ahafo by Newmont Ghana, the restoration work at the Iduapriem mine site by AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, and the rehabilitation activities at the Damang and Tarkwa mines by Gold Fields Ghana Ltd. While acknowledging the efforts of these companies, the chapter also emphasizes the need for more information and documentation on restoration and reclamation efforts in Ghana. It calls for knowledge transfer and the development of national restoration programs to contribute to sustainable development in the country.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Preface VII
- Aknowledgments IX
- Contents XI
- Chapter 1 Evolution of land reclamation practices and introducing mine land degradation and revegetation in Ghana 1
- Chapter 2 Methods used in soil and human health risk assessment 29
- Chapter 3 Identifying risks using sequential extraction analyses, size fractionation, and acid neutralization capacity experiments 49
- Chapter 4 Risk identification using remediation incubation experiments, redox microcosm, geospatial analyses, and synchrotron radiation science 67
- Chapter 5 Impacts of mining on soil quality 83
- Chapter 6 Topsoil and its management during stockpiling 93
- Chapter 7 Effects of mining on the accumulation and pollution with potentially toxic elements 101
- Chapter 8 The power of plants in cleaning and stabilising potentially toxic elements in mine-contaminated soils 111
- Chapter 9 Achieving mining sector sustainability 143
- Chapter 10 Rehabilitation and restoration of degraded mined sites and soils 159
- Chapter 11 Case studies in mine land revegetation and remediation employing various approaches 171
- Chapter 12 Plant species used in revegetation and their corresponding impacts 189
- Chapter 13 Concurrent rehabilitation/revegetation 203
- Chapter 14 Arsenic in a highly contaminated gold mine spoil in Ghana: mobilization and potential of soil amendments to reduce the watersoluble arsenic content and improve soil quality 217
- Chapter 15 Significance of revegetation of degraded mining sites 239
- Measuring and monitoring success of post-reclamation efforts 259
- Chapter 17 Critical factors for driving successful restoration of degraded mine lands 273
- Chapter 18 Management of restored mine sites 291
- Chapter 19 The challenges and strategies for post-mine land restoration efforts in Ghana 301
- Chapter 20 A best-fit conceptual framework to enhance phytoremediation scaling 315
- Chapter 21 Phytostabilization of Co, Hg, Mo, and Ni by ryegrass with manure and iron oxides reduced environmental concerns 335
- Chapter 22 Identifying research gaps for future reclamation studies 363
- Chapter 23 General conclusions and summaries 373
- References 385
- Index 447
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Preface VII
- Aknowledgments IX
- Contents XI
- Chapter 1 Evolution of land reclamation practices and introducing mine land degradation and revegetation in Ghana 1
- Chapter 2 Methods used in soil and human health risk assessment 29
- Chapter 3 Identifying risks using sequential extraction analyses, size fractionation, and acid neutralization capacity experiments 49
- Chapter 4 Risk identification using remediation incubation experiments, redox microcosm, geospatial analyses, and synchrotron radiation science 67
- Chapter 5 Impacts of mining on soil quality 83
- Chapter 6 Topsoil and its management during stockpiling 93
- Chapter 7 Effects of mining on the accumulation and pollution with potentially toxic elements 101
- Chapter 8 The power of plants in cleaning and stabilising potentially toxic elements in mine-contaminated soils 111
- Chapter 9 Achieving mining sector sustainability 143
- Chapter 10 Rehabilitation and restoration of degraded mined sites and soils 159
- Chapter 11 Case studies in mine land revegetation and remediation employing various approaches 171
- Chapter 12 Plant species used in revegetation and their corresponding impacts 189
- Chapter 13 Concurrent rehabilitation/revegetation 203
- Chapter 14 Arsenic in a highly contaminated gold mine spoil in Ghana: mobilization and potential of soil amendments to reduce the watersoluble arsenic content and improve soil quality 217
- Chapter 15 Significance of revegetation of degraded mining sites 239
- Measuring and monitoring success of post-reclamation efforts 259
- Chapter 17 Critical factors for driving successful restoration of degraded mine lands 273
- Chapter 18 Management of restored mine sites 291
- Chapter 19 The challenges and strategies for post-mine land restoration efforts in Ghana 301
- Chapter 20 A best-fit conceptual framework to enhance phytoremediation scaling 315
- Chapter 21 Phytostabilization of Co, Hg, Mo, and Ni by ryegrass with manure and iron oxides reduced environmental concerns 335
- Chapter 22 Identifying research gaps for future reclamation studies 363
- Chapter 23 General conclusions and summaries 373
- References 385
- Index 447